Transitioning from PBS to cable is pretty darn jarring. Only yesterday we were chatting with a World War II fighter pilot and scientists and Isaac Hayes, here to promote an upcoming Great Performances special commemorating the 50th anniversary of Stax Records (premiering Aug. 1) and listening to a live performance of Angie Stone. …

Generally speaking, viewers don’t give a yawn about who’s in charge of networks and cable channels until their favorite show gets canceled. When such misfortune occurs they start caring, if only to know whose head to demand on a platter. …

As some point long ago, South Florida Sun-Sentinel critic Tom Jicha perfectly described the Television Critics Association Press Tour as “a death march with cocktails.” It’s one of those sublime turns of phrase we wish we had thought up first, and it has since been used endlessly to describe the ordeal I’m immersed in. …

Sci Fi Channel’s “Eureka,” kicking off its second season tonight at 9, looks so sunny in spite of what lies beneath. On TV’s playground, it’s the smart, outgoing kid that miraculously forgot to develop any insecurities. He just happens to be building a nuke in his backyard playhouse. What could go wrong? …